Film of the Week: 'Freestyle'

There are certain skill sets any aspiring or proven rap artist must possess: a good voice, smart or catchy lyrics, strong stage presence and the ability to freestyle (in other words, to make up lyrics as you go along).

That last skill, of course, is the subject of 'Freestyle: The Art of Rhyme,' Kevin Fitzgerald's 2000 documentary that's become essential viewing for hip-hop fans.

The documentary captures priceless footage of emcees on both coasts parlaying their skills, from unknown rappers in park cyphers to rare footage of a young Notorious B.I.G. on a Brooklyn street corner. You can watch the film in full -- or snag it onto your own site -- from SnagFilms.com.

There are certain skill sets any aspiring or proven rap artist must possess: a good voice, smart or catchy lyrics, strong stage presence and the ability to freestyle (in other words, to make up lyrics as you go along).

That last skill, of course, is the subject of 'Freestyle: The Art of Rhyme,' Kevin Fitzgerald's 2000 documentary that's become essential viewing for hip-hop fans.

The documentary captures priceless footage of emcees on both coasts parlaying their skills, from unknown rappers in park cyphers to rare footage of a young Notorious B.I.G. on a Brooklyn street corner. You can watch the film in full -- or snag it onto your own site -- from SnagFilms.com.